By Chantal Wagner

staged approach

Province outlines Phase 2 of vaccine distribution in Alberta

Feb 19, 2021 | 1:14 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Premier Jason Kenney and Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced the next step of Alberta’s vaccination roll-out Friday afternoon.

1.79 million Albertans are set to receive the COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

Premier Kenney says Phase 2 is expected to begin sometime in April, depending on vaccine supply from Ottawa.

Kenney announced the four key groups on Friday afternoon who will be receiving the vaccine.

Eligibility in Phase 2 will move from Group A toward Group D:

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

8h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

8h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

16h ago

Group A includes:

Albertans aged 65 to 74, no matter where they live.

First Nations and Métis people aged 50 to 64, on and off reserve or Metis Settlements.

Staff of licensed supportive living facilities not included in Phase 1.

Group B includes:

Albertans aged 18 to 64 with high-risk underlying health conditions. Additional information on specific conditions will be provided prior to Phase 2 rollout.

Group C includes:

Residents and staff of eligible congregate living settings. This includes correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and group homes, including disability, mental health and other types of licensed supportive living.

Health-care workers providing direct and acute patient care who have a high potential for spread to high-risk individuals.

Caregivers of Albertans who are most at risk of severe outcomes.

Group D includes:

Albertans aged 50 to 64, no matter where they live.

First Nations and Métis people aged 35 to 49 on and off reserve or Metis Settlements.

Premier Kenney says once Phase 2 is complete, Alberta will move to vaccinate the general public.

But he says he knows there are some people who are disappointed to hear they must wait until Phase 3 before they’re eligible for a vaccination

“I know everyone wants to return to normal, be safe, and protected from the virus. But with a limited amount of vaccines, we must make difficult choices to ensure that those people who are most at risk are protected first, following the data and scientific advice,” Kenney added.

Meantime, Alberta is also expanding vaccine eligibility to all seniors aged 75 and older.

Seniors are now allowed to receive the vaccine starting today (Feb.19) as part of Phase 1B.

AHS will offer the vaccine directly to all residents in retirement centres, lodges, supportive living, and other congregate living facilities.

Starting on Wednesday, Feb. 24, anyone who was born in 1946 or earlier will be able to receive the vaccine regardless of where they live.

Seniors will be able to book their immunization appointment through Alberta Health Services using an online and telephone booking system.